HIV vs. AIDS. Many people think HIV is similar to AIDS. Although HIV and AIDS are related, these two words are not synonymous. So, what is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV vs. AIDS What’s the Difference?
HIV is a type of virus that can deteriorate your immune system. It may progress into AIDS after several years of getting the virus. But not everyone infected with HIV develops AIDS. Therefore, HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Viruses is the name of the virus that is responsible for this immunity-impairing disease, while AIDS or acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome is an advanced stage of this immunity disease caused by the HIV virus.
However, if you do not receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) together with your doctor, your infection will progress to AIDS in approximately 10 to 15 years. As a result, the immune system cannot work as effectively as it should or stop working completely.
To be little more specific, you get AIDS when you have fewer than normal CD4 cells. CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell which helps fight infections.
Once infected with HIV, the virus remains in your body for the rest of your life. Although there is no cure for HIV, medications can help you to reduce the viral load and stay healthy. HIV medication like antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces or even eliminates your chances of sharing the virus with others.
You can get HIV through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. It can be passed on through sex, sharing needles, and mother-to-baby infection during pregnancy. There is no cure for HIV yet. However, medications are available to stop the virus from multiplying and preventing its transmission. However, experts still suggest that prevention is the best way to keep this virus at bay. Practicing safe sex and avoiding needle induced drugs are two wise preventive measures that everyone should follow.